Do You Need a Master in Education To Become A Gifted Resource Teacher?

Though requirements vary by state, teachers who aspire to teach gifted students will most likely need a Master in Education to become a gifted resource teacher. This is not the only credential required, however. Many states require teachers to gain additional certifications and provide at least a few years of experience handling a more traditional classroom either at the elementary level or in a concentrated subject area at the secondary level. This position can be very rewarding for the right type of educator, but it requires careful preparation, a series of extra academic pursuits, and added certification to ensure that all gifted students can take advantage of academic opportunities at their unique level.

Start with a Master in Education Program

Without a doubt, teachers interested in working with gifted students should start by pursuing their Master in Education degree. For the best chance of landing an interview for this job, and coming out ahead of all other applicants, teachers will want to find a program that specifically offers a concentration in gifted learning or advanced learning styles. These programs are far more rare than a general Master in Education program, but they offer specialized skills that will make the teacher more effective in the classroom and more attractive in a job interview.

If a specialized program is not available, consider taking elective coursework or even extra courses that teach the fundamentals of gifted education. Since most school districts will require both a resume and official transcripts as part of the interview procedure, they’ll be able to see that an applicant went out of their way to specialize the program as much as possible. This could be the difference between landing the position and landing a rejection letter.

Read and Follow State Requirements for Professional Certification

All teachers must be certified to work in the classroom according to general state standards, but teachers of gifted students typically need an additional state certification in order to be able to work in this type of role. The extra certification typically requires another test, similar to the PRAXIS series of tests that lead to an educator’s initial certification. Most graduate programs will help students prepare for this exam with on-campus classes or complimentary preparation classes on-campus. Look into any resources available, as a passing score on this test is absolutely essential in states that require it.

Provide a Minimum of Five Years’ Teaching Experience

Gifted resource teachers must be able to show that they can handle a classroom environment and meet the challenges of public education in the 21st century. The best way for schools to assess this is to evaluate the teacher’s prior experience, which usually must be at least five years in total. Administrators will want to see that the teacher was evaluated well, that their test scores have historically reflected excellent teaching styles, and that they were able to handle students of all learning abilities during their time in a more standard position. Be prepared to present copies of administrative reviews, examples of classroom challenges, and theories for better managing gifted children that were used in the classroom when necessary.

Related Resource: Internships in Education

Strict Requirements and a Rewarding Career Gifted Resource Teachers

According to the National Association of Gift Children, teachers of gifted students have a unique opportunity to adapt the curriculum to unique ways of thinking and understanding. This job isn’t easy, but it’s often considered highly rewarding. To get started, teachers will need a Master in Education to become a gifted resource teacher as well as additional certifications and a proven history of success in classroom teaching.